Hatfield Forest

Important notice -

Our toilets are being refurbished, we have temporary toilets in our Lake Area Car park. It may be a wee while before normal service is resumed.

Ancient royal hunting forest

More about this place

A muddy coppice footpath

Hatfield Forest - Every Step Counts 

Wet weather presents a particular challenge at Hatfield Forest. The ground becomes very easily waterlogged and the historic rides paths very muddy, especially in the coppices. We have to close our grass car parks, so severely limiting our car parking capacity. This means our ability to cope with lots of people is stretched, so we ask you to bear with us, especially on fine weekends and in holiday periods.

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Hatfield Forest

Our work 

Tree growing in open parkland in May at Hatfield Forest

Creating a living lab in Hatfield Forest 

Find out how we're working with world-leading tree and soil experts to create a living laboratory in Hatfield Forest.

conservation plan

Hatfield Forest Conservation Management Plan 

Take a look at our conservation management plan for the forest, as well as background expert reports.

A tree trunk snapped near the base

High winds in Hatfield Forest 

When there's a storm a-brewing, we need to close the forest.

National Trust Warden rounding up sheep near Forest Lodge at Hatfield Forest, Essex.

Conservation in action 

Are you interested in how we look after the forest, to protect and enhance our special place

protective barrier around hornbeam

Special Projects 

Find out more about some of the special projects we undertake in and around the Forest.

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Hatfield Forest

What's on

The Kings Driscolls band playing live at Woodfest in Hatfield Forest

WoodFest 

Join us for WoodFest in September and experience Hatfield Forest as it comes alive with music, crafts and much, much more...

Upcoming events

See all events

Hatfield Forest - Landscape Photography Masterclass with Justin Minns 2019

Sat 06 Apr 2019
05:30-13:30
Join award winning photographer Justin Minns for a day of honing and refining your landscape photography skills in the beautiful Hatfield Forest.

Forest Bake-off 2019

Wed 10 Apr 2019
10:30-12:00
Come and make campfire bread, cook sausages (veggie option available) toast marshmallows, bake apples all around a fire pit.

Make a Mini Bee Hotel 2019

Tue 16 Apr 2019
10:30-12:00
Come and make a mini bee hotel and pot up some red clover seeds (bees love red clover) to take home.

Introduction to Photography 2019

Sun 21 Apr 2019
10:00-15:00
Join us for an introduction to photography in the great outdoors. Learn the basics of camera control and composition as well as picking up some pro-tricks from an award winning photographer, Helen Hooker.

Magical Woodland Elves and Fairies 2019

Tue 28 May 2019
10:30-12:00
Explore the forest looking for hidden fairy doors and make your very own woodland wand.

Introduction to Photography Intermediate Course 2019

Fri 19 Jul 2019
10:00-15:00
Join us for the next step on from out introductory course, focusing on more advanced techniques to take your photography to the next level. As well as picking up some pro-tricks from an award winning photographer, Helen Hooker.
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Hatfield Forest

Things to see and do

Walkers enjoying an autumnal stroll in Hatfield Forest

Activities for all at Hatfield Forest 

The forest trails are ideal for walking, running or riding. Try the lake for boating or fishing.

Couple walking a dog on woodland path

Doggy do's and don'ts at Hatfield Forest 

Hatfield Forest is a perfect place for walking your dog, with miles of paths to explore, trees to sniff and grass to roll about in.

Family group climbing on tree trunk

Fun for Families at Hatfield Forest 

Bring your family to the forest and enjoy a range of outdoor activities, whether it be just letting off steam running around under the trees, building a den or exploring the further reaches on foot or by bike.

A den built from fallen branches in the Forest

50 Things to do before you're 11¾ at Hatfield Forest 

With lots of open space and woodland to explore at our special place we're perfect for kick starting your 50 Things adventure. Here are our top ten activities to get you started.

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Hatfield Forest

Wildlife

Grebes on the lake

Get Twitching 

There are many species of bird at our special place. From woodland to water they call our special place home.

A group of fallow deer in a ride at Hatfield Forest

Discover the Deer 

We're home to an established population of both fallow and muntjac deer, secretive and shy but well worth the stake out. Come scour our woods to see how many you find.

Sloe berries in Hatfield Forest

Wildflowers and Insects 

We're not only a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) but also a National Nature Reserve. Visit to find out why we've been awarded these designations and what they mean for our visitors and volunteers.

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Hatfield Forest

History

An

A most generous gift 

The special nature of the forest was recognised over 90 years ago, when it was saved by a wonderful act of generosity by one of our earliest conservationists.

View of Shell House across the lake at Hatfield Forest

History Highlights 

Find out more about some of the forest's rich and varied history.

Hunting scene from Livre de Chasse

Forest History 

Find out more about the history of Hatfield Forest stretching back over two thousand years.

Forest Lodge in Hatfield Forest, Essex

Forest Buildings and Sites 

The Forest contains a number of buildings and sites of historic interest.

Houblon portrait gallery

Forest Families 

Several families have been associated with ownership of the Forest over the last six hundred years.

Extract from 1757 plan with inset of Capability Brown

Did you Know 

Find out more about some of the things you may have seen whilst exploring the Forest

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Hatfield Forest

Eating and shopping

Slices of sponge cake

The Forest Cafe 

Treat yourself at the Forest Cafe. Enjoy a slice of cake and a cappucino.

A display of china in the Hatfield Forest shop

Shopping 

Enjoy tempting treats on your visit to our shop, from locally sourced food to the perfect gift. All profits go directly back into our conservation work at the Forest.

Venison recipe cards from Hatfield Forest

Fruits of the Forest 

We sell award winning venison, firewood and planks of timber, all sourced from the Forest.

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Hatfield Forest

Learning

Children creating art from leaves, twigs and bark

Learning at Hatfield Forest 

What better way to learn than in an outdoor classroom. Bring your group and discover our varied and exciting learning programme.

Children enjoying the trees in Hatfield Forest, Essex

Hatfield Forest Explorer Groups 

Come and have some fun in the Forest. Join one of our monthly Explorer groups.

Tree growing in open parkland in May at Hatfield Forest, Essex.

Professional Courses at Hatfield Forest 

Our team manages a variety of veteran trees and the wildlife the habitat supports. Learn what they know by taking part in one of our professional courses.

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Hatfield Forest

Join or give

A protective basket surrounding a freshly cut stump in Elgins Coppice

Coppice appeal 

Our volunteers help care for 240 hectares of ancient coppice woodland. They need your help to get new equipment to continue this important work.

A group of people listening to a guide

Local Supporter Groups  

Interested in making the most of the National Trust near you? Join your local supporter group to enjoy special interest talks, visits, holidays and other social events. These groups do so much for Hatfield Forest, supporting us not only with fundraising but also hands-on conservation activities, with particular thanks to the Cambridge, Chelmsford and Herts and Essex Border Centres.

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